Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

13:31

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed his 'Choral Hymns (3)' in 1929, and it premiered on October 16th of the same year at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, England. The piece is divided into three movements, each based on a different hymn tune. The first movement, "Come Down, O Love Divine," is a setting of the hymn tune "Down Ampney." It begins with a soft, ethereal introduction in the upper voices, which gradually builds in intensity as the lower voices enter. The middle section features a solo soprano singing the hymn text, accompanied by a gentle, flowing accompaniment in the lower voices. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, but with added harmonies and a more triumphant feel. The second movement, "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," is based on the hymn tune "Old Hundredth." It begins with a majestic fanfare in the brass and percussion, followed by a full-throated choral statement of the hymn tune. The middle section features a solo baritone singing a new text, "O Praise the Lord of Heaven," accompanied by a more subdued choral texture. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, but with added harmonies and a more exuberant feel. The third movement, "Let All the World in Every Corner Sing," is based on the hymn tune "Luckington." It begins with a lively, dance-like introduction in the upper voices, which sets the stage for the joyful choral statement of the hymn tune. The middle section features a solo tenor singing a new text, "The Heavens Declare Thy Glory," accompanied by a more contemplative choral texture. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, but with added harmonies and a more celebratory feel. Overall, Vaughan Williams' 'Choral Hymns (3)' is a masterful example of his skill in setting choral music. The piece showcases his ability to create a wide range of textures and moods, from the ethereal and contemplative to the majestic and exuberant. It is a beloved work in the choral repertoire, and continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs and audiences around the world.

More....